Lifestyle and home remedies

In addition to professional treatment, these tips may help people who have factitious disorder:

Stick to your treatment plan. Attend therapy appointments and take any medications as directed. If you feel an urge to harm yourself or cause yourself to become ill, talk honestly to your therapist or primary care doctor for better ways to cope with your emotions.

Have a medical gatekeeper. Have one trusted primary health care provider to manage your medical care, rather than visiting numerous providers, specialists and surgeons.

Remember the risks. Remind yourself that you could face permanent injury or even death each time you hurt yourself or have a risky test or surgery needlessly.

Don't run. Resist urges to find a new health care provider or to flee to a new town where medical professionals aren't aware of your background. Your therapist can help you overcome these powerful urges.

Connect with someone. Many people with factitious disorder lack friendships and other relationships. Try to find someone you're able to confide in, share enjoyable times with and offer your own support to.

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